Schneiderman announces additional $20 million in homeowner funding

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman recently announced an additional $20 million in funding for the fifth year of his Homeowner Protection Program, which connects homeowners to free, qualified mortgage-assistance relief services across New York.

This new $20 million in funding brings Schneiderman’s total investment in HOPP to $130 million since 2012.

“No New Yorker should lose their home because they don’t have access to an attorney. As communities across New York continue to recover from the housing crisis, HOPP has provided a lifeline that allows families to avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes — and it’s clear that there’s an ongoing need for these critical services,” said Schneiderman.

“I’m proud that we’re able to provide an additional $20 million for this vital program.”

Since the Office of the Attorney General established the program in 2012, more than 80,000 families have received free assistance to avoid foreclosure through HOPP, including more than 25,000 families who have received modifications to their mortgages. HOPP funds a statewide network of nearly 90 housing counseling and legal services organizations.

New Yorkers can visit www.AGHomeHelp.com or call the Attorney General’s Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at 855-4663-456 to learn more and find free, qualified mortgage assistance relief services across the state.

The funding for HOPP comes from bank settlements that Schneiderman secured through the federal-state mortgage backed securities working group, which President Obama appointed Schneiderman to co-chair in 2012. That settlement money has been allocated toward a range of initiatives across the state to help communities recover from the housing crisis.

“Homeowners facing foreclosure need all the help they can get, but often are taken advantage of because they don’t know their options or their rights,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. “The HOPP program gives them guidance and space to make good decisions and avoid foreclosure, bringing stability to families and neighborhoods. Thousands of homeowners statewide have benefitted from the program and thanks to Attorney General Schneiderman thousands more will now have the same opportunity.”

“This funding from Attorney General Schneiderman means housing lawyers and counselors will continue to be able to help families across New York State stay in their homes and in their communities,” added Kirstin Keefe, a senior staff attorney with the Empire Justice Center.